Happy Almost-Valentine’s Day! If you’re dreading what this holiday means for your teenager, take a deep breath. We’re in this with you! Here’s what we’ve got coming up this month as we talk about love and dating.

Here are a few things coming up in our ministry . . .

ADD YOUR OWN DATES: RETREAT
This month, we’re planning a weekend retreat designed to help your kid connect with God and with their small group. Get the details on our website!

ADD YOUR OWN DATES: MISSION EXPERIENCE
This summer, we’re taking teenagers on a mission experience! Make sure your kid is registered before the deadline.

MEANT TO BE: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON WISDOM

“We’re meant to be.” It’s how all of our favorite movies, songs, and books talk about love—as if the secret to an amazing relationship is a little bit of destiny, a whole bunch of feelings, and a tiny dash of magic. So it makes sense, when we observe the not-so-perfect, real-life relationships modeled by our friends, parents, and favorite celebrities, that we might start to wonder, “Wait—is that how relationships are meant to be?” In this 4-week series, you’ll give students a better lens for evaluating their current and future dating relationships as you help them see that the secret to a relationship that’s “meant to be” is to stay close to Jesus, date with purpose, know who you’re looking for, and keep sex in the right context.

Don’t tell your kid we told you this, okay? But here’s a secret. They’ll never tell you this, but your teenager wants rules, limits, lines, and guardrails. We’re not saying they’ll agree with every rule you put in place, but really — the guardrails you set let your teenager know you care. Set them wisely.

If you’re subscribed to Grow Your Ministry, now would be a good time to attach Parent Tip Video #7 from your Parents section.

If you want to help your teenager make wise decisions with their relationships, it’s probably a good idea to talk to them establish good boundaries with their internet and social media habits. That’s why we love this new tool, Circle, with Disney. It’s the new way for parents like you to manage content and time across all your teenagers’ devices. Check it out!

Hey parents, help us out. As the parent of a teenager, what’s one thing our church could do to better serve and help you? Hit Reply and let us know!